GCSE Biology · AQA 8461 · Topic 4.3.2
Monoclonal antibodies
Key points
- Monoclonal antibodies are made from a single clone of cells and all target the same antigen.
- Mouse lymphocytes that make the right antibody are fused with a tumour cell to make a hybridoma cell, which divides and makes lots of that antibody.
- Uses: pregnancy tests (detect the hormone hCG in urine), measuring hormone levels, finding pathogens, and locating molecules in tissues using a fluorescent dye.
- In cancer treatment they can carry a drug or radioactive substance straight to cancer cells, or help the immune system attack them, so normal cells are less harmed.
- Drawbacks: they have caused more side effects than first expected, so they are not yet as widely used as hoped.
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On the AQA specification this whole sub-topic is Higher tier only. Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibody molecules that all bind to one specific antigen, which makes them precise tools for finding, measuring and attacking particular…
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